must watch bls: my recs

genre: romance, historical, wuxia, war, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: holy crap. this is the best shit i have ever watched. i am not even joking. if you like wuxia or dramas from china, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS. this is the first ever chinese BL and it is absolutely superb! i cannot believe that this show is not more popular. this is absolutely amazing. the actors were so well casted, and had amazing chemistry. this was low budget and you could not even tell !!! the cinematography was stunning, the costumes were beautiful, the hair and makeup styling was phenomenal, the story was well adapted since this novel was over 300 pages and compiled into a 12 episode series... i am seriously blown away. i really hope these two actors work together again because they have something so special. i have not been this immersed in a series in such a long time, this was just what i have always wanted. all of my favorite things into one series, and they absolutely killed it. just wow. this series is excellent, and i will recommend it to everyone !! 

genre: fantasy, time travel, historical, drama, romance, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high 

my impression: there is no better historical bl than this one. in my opinion, this is THE BEST thai bl out there. it  has a little bit of everything, and the romance in this bl is out of this world. it is the most romantic series i have ever watched. i love the characters and the story so much. the romance is insane. the story pulls at all of your heartstrings, and it is something you remember after watching and want to come back to.

genre: mystery, wuxia, fantasy, romance, adapted from a novel 

NOTE: this is not a true bl, it is a  **censored bl** due to the laws and restrictions in china. i highly recommend everyone to show this series support by watching it, and also reading all five volumes "grandmaster of demonic cultivation" because they are most definitely lovers, which is why i am keeping this series in this list. 

re-watch value: high

my impression: i've read the books, and have watched the series, and both have their charm. xiao zhan and wang yibo bring wei wuxian and lan wangji to life. it's like they jumped straight out of the books onto your screen. i mean... it was so special being able witness such a wonderful treasure. of course, some things in the book were not present in the series due to censorship, and there were some changes to probably give some of the other characters bigger roles, but those changes really didn't bother me. in the end, the story was told from beginning to end, and even with the censorship, you know that the wwx and lz are soulmates, and are canon. i will definitely come back to this series to rewatch it yearly. it is so special to me, and i think everyone should give it a chance if they haven't. this is a story that doesn't revolve around a romance, however i need everyone to understand that they are  LOVERS not brothers. such a beautiful adaptation that never left me disappointed. 

genre: romance, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: if you want to watch a series that has a deeper meaning between the two main leads, and maybe something to make you cry, this is the one for you. this is such a heartfelt story between two people who first start off as strangers, and eventually develop into something more. bonus: you also get to watch some special episodes that continues their love story in our skyy 2!!

genre: food, romance, life, drama, age gap

re-watch value: high

my impression: if you want to watch something where all the characters have chemistry with their on screen partners, than it doesn't get better than this. this starts out as a one night stand between the main leads that obviously progresses into something more. you also get a cute side story between two adolescent characters who have a unique and precious relationship with one another. 

genre: romance, drama, adapted from a web novel

rewatch value: high 

my impression: OH MY GOD THIS SERIES WAS SUCH AN UNEXPECTED DROP FROM CHINA AND I AM OBSESSED! holy crap, the acting in phenomenal, the actors are so gorgeous, the story is gripping, the romance is SWOON WORTHY, there is just so much about this drama that i love, and i cannot recommend it enough! i've never watched a bl like this before, and i loved every minute of it. i was laughing, crying, yelling at my screen, just so many emotions ! would love to see more from china after this, and these actors again!

genre: romance, drama, youth, high school setting

re-watch value: high

my impression: there hasn't been a bl like this one since this aired. nothing is like it. it touches on so many relatable topics for youths going through life and love all at the same time when they are trying oi discover who they really are as a person. the connection between the main leads is undeniable, and they always leave you wanting more. luckily, there is a season 2!!

genre: romance, drama, life, youth, university setting, sequel

re-watch value: high

my take: this continuation of itsay!! if you loved itsay, then this is a must watch. personally, i favored the sequel to the prequel, but both are so special to me. this is a real story that is told over the years of the two main leads going to university and living in bangkok. you watch them grow together and apart, and go through many challenges as a couple and as individuals. truly a beautiful sequel.

genre: romance, life, drama, lgbt, adapted from a novel 

NOTE: this series is not a "true bl" it is more of a queer k-drama, but i wanted to include it in this list because i think it's important, and such a wonderful series

re-watch value: medium-high

my impression: this is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking things i have ever watched in my entire life. i've literally had dreams about this series for days since I first watched it. i also read the book, and the series brought it to life beyond imaginable. it was exceptionally well done. i've not felt so heartbroken but happy at the same time. i really love go young's character so much, and living through his life with him while watching each episode.  i am devastated that it came to an end after watching all 8 episodes. this is my favorite release of 2024. i want to watch it again, but i am not ready yet. which is why my re-watch value is just "medium" instead of high. the actors in here really outdid themselves, and i will cherish this series for a long long time. 

genre: romance, life, youth, drama, coming of age

re-watch value: high

my impression: holy cow. this was one of the best bls i've ever seen. it has everything i love. romance, pining, longing, angst, youthful energy. it's so nostalgic, and so peaceful, and painful all at the same time. the cinematography is amazing, the actors did a brilliant job, i love the script, i honestly wish there was more because it was so beautiful to watch. just wow. please watch this if you haven't.

genre: comedy, romance, university setting, enemies to lovers, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: this is a bl i have probably re-watched the most out of anything i have watched so far. it is light and fun, but also has some drama and an emotional plot line keeping the story interesting. the two main leads have insane chemistry with each other, and their dynamic of being childhood friends, to enemies, to lovers is very entertaining. 

genre: romance, drama

re-watch value: high

my impression: this is probably gmmtv's best work. it consists of jimmysea who have been in one other series together as partners, and they convey all the right emotions of their characters so well in this bl. it is raw, emotional, romantic, playful, and you keep wanting more and more each episode aired. 

genre: romance, youth, drama, school setting, adapted from a novel 

re-watch value: high 

my impression: an incredible coming of age, youthful story between two teens who are classmates and soon to be step brothers. the relationship between the two started as enemies, to friends, to soon to be brothers, to something more. the acting in here is incredibly well done, and the pace of the story does the first half of the novel superior justice. though the reviews may be mixed, this story is both romantic and devastating.

genre: romance, youth, drama, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: this was the perfect amount of youthful coming of age, mixed with dramatic heavy topics. every episode kept you wanting more. their chemistry was undeniable. they were shippable from the very first moment they laid eyes on each other. two of the sweetest characters you will ever come across. one of my favorite jbls for sure.

genre: romance, life, youth, adapted from a manga

rewatch value: high

my impressoin: SUCH AN AMAZING AND UNIQUE STORY! i loved everything about this. it's like the manga characters jumped off page and on screen, this was better than i thought it could ever be. i've seriously never watched anything like it, and each episode kept getting better and better. i love the two main leads a lot and i hope they work together again in the future or maybe for SEASON 2????

genre: romance, drama, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high 

my impression: if you love shows that have to do with the entertainment industry this is THE BEST one. it shows a lot about what actors may go through while working and meeting people, making connections, and the hardships that follow their career. not to mention THE INSANE CHEMISTRY this onscreen couple has like.. WOW. i have never seen anything like it. they are truly remarkable. i will watch anything smart or boom will be cast in from now on, ESPECIALLY boom, because goddamn that man can act. 

genre: romance, drama, melodrama, university setting

re-watch value: high

my impression: this is the best korean bl out there. the cinematography in this drama is also a huge plus. this drama has some dark elements to it that keep the drama aspect very interesting as you learn about each of the main leads backstory. its storyline is very unique in comparison to a lot of other bls i have watched, and it really sucks you in to keep watching each episode back to back.

genre: action, thriller, mystery, romance, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: this is gmmtv's best action series, in my opinion, even though i still have a few non-bl action series on my plan to watch list. offgun chemistry is off the charts, and this is by far their most successful series, and fans want them to play in more bl dramas like this one. the plot is very good, and the mystery element is very intriguing. 

genre: drama, romance, fantasy, action, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: this is one of my favorite action bls that i've watched in a long long time. the chemistry between the main leads is so believable, and the script is amazing and almost identical to the novel (except for a few things at the end). this is the first time i went and actually read the novel from watching the ongoing series because each week was AGONIZING knowing what was going to happen next! truly a wonderful adaptation, and i am excited to see more from these actors in the future! great series! 

genre: romance, youth, sports, university setting, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: one of my favorite kbls to date. it was such an easy story to follow, and every single episode kept me interested. i loved all of the characters, including the side ones. the chemistry of the main couple was OFF THE CHARTS. and that love scene?! it was breathtaking !! i would love to see all these actors in something again, or a season 2 so we can get more of the besties romance blossom !!

genre: music, comedy, romance, youth, high school setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: if you like music based series, this is a must watch. this is not a bl you cringe at when a guitar comes to focus. the songs and all the characters in this series are super loveable, and it is a very fun watch. geminifourth won the hearts of not only thailand with this series, but all international countries. it also introduces winnysatang, who are incredibly adorable in here.

genre: romance, drama, youth, coming of age, prequel for adapted webtoon series

re-watch value: high 

my impression: a short series with such an impactful story between two childhood friends who realize their feelings for each other are more than just brothers. this was a wonderfully told story of two youthful boys who explore these feelings within themselves. this series was extremely realistic, and beautiful to watch. 

genre: youth, drama, crime, bromance (not a bl, but lol just watch for yourself, that's why i am keeping it in this list), adapted from a korean drama/thai adaptation

re-watch value: medium

my impression: refreshing series from gmmtv with several characters that all seemed to have a purpose. really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters, but they seemed a bit more like boyfriends than best friends. chemistry between the two is insanely good. the script is well done, and the acting performance all around was outstanding by all cast members (even the ones we don't like). mark is exceptional in this series, and this should be watched just for his performance alone.

genre: comedy, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: seakeen !!! what a lovely couple gmmtv put together !! they are so adorable. keen is such a talented kid. he can sing, dance, act, and he is cute as a button! i really loved how adorable this series was along with some of the hardships that the two faced together. this idea was also a refreshing one from gmmtv. would love to see seakeen again!

genre: music, romance, drama

re-watch value: medium-high

my impression: williamest ARE THE MOMENT !!! wow this pair really blew me away. the chemistry was crazy good. the acting from all the members of lykn was also very good and i was so happy to see est in a main role from gmmtv finally. such a cute series with so many moments that are so realistic for couples slowly falling in love. can't wait for another williamest series.

genre: psychological, drama, romance, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: medium

my impression: this was something that was pretty different from anything i've watched before in the bl world. i really enjoyed it. it had suspense, it had me guessing and asking a lot of questions, i was on my toes the entire time, and i loved how everything concluded. would love to see these actors again!

genre: romance, youth, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: such a cute high school love story! the actors are all so adorable and you can really feel their true friendship bond through the screen! i loved the music in here, and i thought the slow burn, high school love story was absolutely adorable. such a cute series!

genre: romance, drama, psychological, trauma bond, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: low-high depending on your ability to watch things with triggering content

my impression: probably one of the most triggering series based on a lot of the content and issues that take place in the story, but it is a "not-so-beautiful" love story nonetheless. the main couple bond over trauma and as they begin to trust one another, more secrets of their pasts are revealed to each other. this by all means was not an easy and beautiful love story, but because of all the imperfections and hardships these characters faced made it worth watching, and kept you rooting for them until the end. 

genre: historical, romance, drama, adapted from a novel

rewatch value: medium

my impression: this series started out so strong that it had the potential to be my favorite bl from gmmtv, but unfortunately didn't captivate me towards the end like it did in the first 9 episodes. HOWEVER, this was a fantastic watch, and i really loved watching something different from this company. the actors did a great job, and the music in here is so beautiful. i loved the story of the two couples, and can't wait for more of their future projects. 

genre: romance, drama, family, life, slow burn, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: if you want ANGST, this is the one to watch. every episode has you on your toes for how their love story is going to play out. both characters have amazing character development, and their love for one another is out of this world. FIREWORKS. they have insane chemistry. this is easily one of the best bls released in 2024, if not the best taiwanese bl out there (in my opinion, of course).

genre: comedy, drama, romance, life, multiple main leads, adapted from a novel (two series in one)

re-watch value: high

my impression: a very easy series to watch in a sitting. first half of the series focuses on phayurain, and second half focuses on prapaisky. both story lines are very different from each other, but compliment each other well. the chemistry is also off the charts, and there is a special episode for this series as well, which is extremely good.

genre: mystery, romance, drama, youth, high school setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: very interesting bl that is unique from a lot that i've seen! firstkhao have great chemistry in this series, and they are the perfect fit of their characters. if you like drama and mystery all with a bit of first love romance, this is a great find!

genre: action, romance, crime, drama

re-watch value: high

my impression: yinwar came back to everyone's screens to slay with this performance. this was their best work and wow was it good. it had angst, romance, action, the right amount of comedy, so many beloved characters, and parts of the plot to really get you to think. this was so enjoyable to watch from the beginning all the way until the end. the build up to the romance was so good, and the final ep was one of the best finale episodes i have seen in a long time. i will definitely come back to rewatch this show. 

genre: romance, youth, drama, life, university setting, multiple main leads

re-watch value: high

my impression: this bl is MESSY. but in a good way. each couple's story is very different from each other, but somehow they are all intertwined. you watch this not knowing if the couples are going to make it or not, but each episode has an element of surprise with a lot of mature content other than sex. each character shines in their own way, and seeing what steps they get to achieve their own happiness in the end is really a fun ride. i was not expecting something like this from gmmtv, so it was pretty refreshing to watch! would love a season 2!

genre: romance, drama, comedy, sport, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: bounprem exceed expectations in this bl. they play very cute characters, and care for one another in this series very deeply. there is a bit of a deeper meaning in this bl that main character, team (prem), struggles with and win (boun), just knows how to make him feel comfortable and safe. 

genre: fantasy, romance, youth, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: high

my impression: one of my favorite korean bls! it was so different from other bls i have seen! the characters are very sweet, and you can see them both developing feelings over each episode.

genre: romance, comedy, love in the workplace, supernatural, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high

my impression: a very cute adaptation from taynew. i loved seeing newie play such a shy and cute character, he had me kicking my feet the whole time. tay played such a gentleman, and his character absolutely loves achi. super fun to watch, and is def a series to rewatch because it is so wholesome until the very end. there's also not a lot of conflict, so it is a super fluffy bl and it is so refreshing to watch characters who trust each other and communicate with each other the whole way, despite achi's little secret! 

genre: romance, drama, youth, time jump, childhood friends, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: this is one of the longer series i have watched for a bl, and i didn't think it was too long. in my opinion, each episode had a purpose, and i didn't find any moments where i felt like "that should have been taken out" or "why did they include that in here". i think their story is so fun to watch since you see their characters grow together for years. this is the best love story of childhood friends to lovers. 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, university setting, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: a great university romance with a bit of a grumpy x sunshine trope. the dynamic of the characters fit really well with one another and as you watch, you are just rooting for them up p until the very end. 

genre: action, romance, mystery, drama, crime, sci-fi

re-watch value: high

my impression: while this series is short, it had a huge impact. it kept me at the edge of my seat every episode. i was so invested in all the characters, trying to figure out the story each week on my own, seeing how everyone intertwines, all while trying to understand the mystery of the 4 minutes. the acting in here is phenomenal, the cinematography is spectacular, the script and how the romances and plot unfolded was so wonderful. such an amazing drama. i will be looking forward to seeing more jesbible in the future, and fuaiz in more projects as well. i'm also gonna need bas to land a main role sometime soon, he was my favorite character in this series. 

genre: comedy, romance, drama, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium-high

my impression: jimmysea absolutely stole the show with their chemistry. it seems like every project they're in together as a pair just get better and better in terms of chemistry and their acting skills. while i think this series was missing a lot according to the plot, it was definitely "saved" by the two of them, they are 100% the reason i stuck around until the end.  i will continue to route for jimmysea, and watch anything they are starring in, in the future. 

genre: action, romance, crime, drama, adapted from a web novel

re-watch value: high

my impression: even if we take away all of the spicy scenes, this series would remain in my recs because the plot is that good. i really loved so many of the characters in here, whether they were main leads, supporting, or just guest roles. the acting was well done, the action was so intense and fun to watch, and almost every episode leaves you at the edge of your seat. i binged this series so fast, and it is still my favorite action bl out there. even if spice isn't your thing when watching bls, this is worth the watch because of the acting, the plot, and the action. 

genre: romance, drama, youth, university setting, adapted from a webtoon

re-watch value: high

my impression: probably one of the easiest bls to binge in a day. i didn't even know i was going onto episode after episode when i first started this series, and by the time i knew it, i was already on the last episode. it's that good. they have a very youthful relationship, but it also touches on subjects that are quite relatable to the watcher. 

genre: food, romance, youth, drama, soulmates, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: there is something about watching soulmate love. they just suck you in. there is an element here that is a bit different from other bls that keeps you on your toes, and it is a nice set up for series "between us" if you want to watch that as well. both series coincide with each other, but are not needed to watch each one, however, you do get to see some sweet moments in each series from each main couple.

genre: romance, youth, drama, life, childhood friends, enemies to lovers, university setting

re-watch value: high

my impression: this series has a second part, and the first one is the best. i loved their romance so much, and it was so lovely seeing how their story tied together. if we take away the ending, i probably would have rated it higher, but the reason for the ending was to make a season 2, so just keep that in mind, that you will have to watch season 2 immediately after to be content with how their story concludes lol.

genre: fantasy, body switching, comedy, drama, romance, youth, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: a very funny series from jimmysea! i absolutely loved this series, and all of the cameos it had. i don't think there is a bl out there with so many different actors. each episodes surprises you with a new character even if they are only there for one episode. very bingeable and very funny to watch!

genre: romance, life, drama

re-watch value: medium

my impression: this was a short and lovely series with two new actors who have amazing chemistry. the story wasn't anything special but it did have important topics and you could really feel their love for each other. i enjoyed it so much.

genre: romance, drama, youth, university setting, adapted from a novel

re-watch value: medium

my impression: one of my favorite university bls. yinwar have great chemistry, and tbh, their love story was a bit frustrating at times, but just enough to keep you interested to see how their story would pan out. there's some sensitive topics in here, but overall, a great uni bl. 

genre: romance, drama, life, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high

my impression: one of my personal favorite jbls, with the perfect amount of angst, longing, spice, and chemistry. these two have FIRE between them. something about this series was so charming even if the plot was a bit over the top and unrealistic. i would love to see a season 2. 

genre: romance, drama, life, university setting, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: high

my impression: a favorite jbl of mine. the two main characters were so sweet, and i loved their dynamic a lot. the innocence between the characters was so refreshing to watch, and my goodness the actor who plays takara is absolutely stunning. they had one of the sweetest kiss scenes i've ever seen in a bl. really excited to watch the special spin off that will air soon. looks like a lot more cute moments are to come. 

genre: comedy, romance, life, youth, high school setting, adapted from a manga

re-watch value: medium

my impression: an adorable jbl that will always remain one of the most fluffy and comforting series to comeback to. all the characters are super adorable, and there's just something about first love romance while being a young teen in high school. so pure. loved it.